Adaptation is defined as, “something ... that is changed or changes so as to become suitable to a new or special application or situation” (“Adaptation: Define Adaptation...”). Mitigation is defined as, “... making (something) less severe...” (“Mitigation: Define Mitigation...”). Therefore adaptation is dealing with the problems of global warming, while mitigation is working to stop global warming to get rid of the problems. A solution involving adaptation might be to build levees to deal with flooding created by rising ocean levels, or to ship water to places affected by drought. A solution involving mitigation might be to reduce CO2 emissions from cars, or reduce the eating of beef to stop cows from releasing methane into the atmosphere. We believe that mitigation is the best solution for now, and that adaptation should occur later. We believe that mitigation is the best solution for now, and that adaptation should occur later.
If we deal with global warming and halt it in its tracks, then we can start to adapt. As it is, the more we adapt the more our climate is going to change, which entails more adaptation, which entails more climate change (Rohrer, Juerg.). If we don’t stop climate change in its tracks then we will simply waste money adapting. We believe that adaptation should be accomplished, but only afterwards, so as not to waste money. The situation is irreversible, at least to current technologies, so adaptation is still needed, but until we know the final results of this change we can’t make decisions on how to adapt (“How To Stop...”).
Focusing on mitigation will be more effective, live wise, as there will be less failed structures like levees, and cost wise. We can save people’s lives by reducing our contributions to global warming. They will not have to put up with constantly failing plans that aren’t prepared for the problems as they will be (“Climate Change: Adaptation...”). So, together, let’s work to fix this problem so we can deal with it conclusively. If we all work together we can defeat this scourge of nations by using mitigation, then adaptation.
Adaptation Methods
Mitigation Method
Works Cited
"Adaptation | Define Adaptation at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 05 May 2010. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adaptation>.
"Climate Change: Adaptation vs Mitigation." Mediate.com - Everything Mediation: Find Mediators in THE Mediator Directory, Articles, Information & Resources. Web. 06 May 2010. <http://www.mediate.com/articles/SusskindLbl20090406.cfm>.
"Mitigation | Define Mitigation at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 05 May 2010. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mitigation>.
Rohrer, Juerg. "CO2 - the Major Cause of Global Warming | Time for Change." Time for Change | For Whom Enough Is Too Little - Nothing Is Ever Enough. July 2007. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. <http://timeforchange.org/CO2-cause-of-global-warming>
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
There can be a huge return on investment if the developed countries would adapt to their changed climate now. Their financial contributions will be able to prevent drought or flooding for example. However, for this blog I will be focusing on the flooding side of things. If a developed country would build any kind of flood-controlling structure they could reduce the damage to their cities by a huge amount. Less damage means less money spent on rebuilding. Less money spent on rebuilding means a ROI (“Return On Investment...”).
Even if these developed countries help third world countries there will still be a ROI for them. They will not have to aid with recovery, as they so like to do, from storms (Millennium Challenge Account...”). Also any protecting of anyone they do will generate ROI. If they save people these same people could be the ones that become future bankers, or other government officials. This means that these people will greatly help with the economy they are immersed in. Since the UN’s goal is to have all countries work together any country with a boosted economy will further the UN’s cause (“United Nations Millennium...”). This means that helping any person will forgo having to help again, hopefully, and also save people who might generate serious ROI for their countries.
If we do not adapt we face serious issues down the line. All of these good things will definitely not occur. As I outlined in our earlier blog “ADAPTATION vs. MITIGATION” we believe that this needs to occur, but mitigation needs to first. This way we won’t continually need to build new structures. I truly believe, however, that adaptation will reduce seriously the costs of climate change down the line (“Costs of Adapting...”).
Table of Contents
ADAPTATION vs. MITIGATION
Adaptation is defined as, “something ... that is changed or changes so as to become suitable to a new or special application or situation” (“Adaptation: Define Adaptation...”). Mitigation is defined as, “... making (something) less severe...” (“Mitigation: Define Mitigation...”). Therefore adaptation is dealing with the problems of global warming, while mitigation is working to stop global warming to get rid of the problems. A solution involving adaptation might be to build levees to deal with flooding created by rising ocean levels, or to ship water to places affected by drought. A solution involving mitigation might be to reduce CO2 emissions from cars, or reduce the eating of beef to stop cows from releasing methane into the atmosphere. We believe that mitigation is the best solution for now, and that adaptation should occur later. We believe that mitigation is the best solution for now, and that adaptation should occur later.
If we deal with global warming and halt it in its tracks, then we can start to adapt. As it is, the more we adapt the more our climate is going to change, which entails more adaptation, which entails more climate change (Rohrer, Juerg.). If we don’t stop climate change in its tracks then we will simply waste money adapting. We believe that adaptation should be accomplished, but only afterwards, so as not to waste money. The situation is irreversible, at least to current technologies, so adaptation is still needed, but until we know the final results of this change we can’t make decisions on how to adapt (“How To Stop...”).
Focusing on mitigation will be more effective, live wise, as there will be less failed structures like levees, and cost wise. We can save people’s lives by reducing our contributions to global warming. They will not have to put up with constantly failing plans that aren’t prepared for the problems as they will be (“Climate Change: Adaptation...”). So, together, let’s work to fix this problem so we can deal with it conclusively. If we all work together we can defeat this scourge of nations by using mitigation, then adaptation.
Works Cited
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
There can be a huge return on investment if the developed countries would adapt to their changed climate now. Their financial contributions will be able to prevent drought or flooding for example. However, for this blog I will be focusing on the flooding side of things. If a developed country would build any kind of flood-controlling structure they could reduce the damage to their cities by a huge amount. Less damage means less money spent on rebuilding. Less money spent on rebuilding means a ROI (“Return On Investment...”).Even if these developed countries help third world countries there will still be a ROI for them. They will not have to aid with recovery, as they so like to do, from storms (Millennium Challenge Account...”). Also any protecting of anyone they do will generate ROI. If they save people these same people could be the ones that become future bankers, or other government officials. This means that these people will greatly help with the economy they are immersed in. Since the UN’s goal is to have all countries work together any country with a boosted economy will further the UN’s cause (“United Nations Millennium...”). This means that helping any person will forgo having to help again, hopefully, and also save people who might generate serious ROI for their countries.
If we do not adapt we face serious issues down the line. All of these good things will definitely not occur. As I outlined in our earlier blog “ADAPTATION vs. MITIGATION” we believe that this needs to occur, but mitigation needs to first. This way we won’t continually need to build new structures. I truly believe, however, that adaptation will reduce seriously the costs of climate change down the line (“Costs of Adapting...”).
Works Cited